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Members of the Lagos State House of Assembly have called for urgent measures to curb the rising incidence of vandalism of public infrastructure across the state, following a viral video showing suspected vandals removing iron rods, steel reinforcements and cables from the Festac Town–Alakija Link Bridge.
The lawmakers expressed concern that such acts pose a serious threat to public safety and undermine the state government’s investment in critical infrastructure.
They stressed the need for swift and decisive action to prevent further damage and ensure the safety of vehicular movements and residents who rely on these facilities daily.
While ruling on the matter, the Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, however, cautioned that measures aimed at restricting activities such as those of barrow pushers must be implemented with care and due consideration for legitimate operators within the state.
He also noted that the prosecution and incarceration of offenders could be hindered by congestion in correctional facilities, stressing the need for a broader and more effective approach to enforcement, prosecution and punishment, which he said could be made plausible with the state’s construction of its correctional centres.
Obasa called for improved standards and increased capacity within the Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LNSC), urging the corps to play a more effective role in identifying, preventing and reporting acts of vandalism.
He further advocated for sustained oversight and stronger enforcement of existing laws designed to protect public infrastructure and deter criminal activity.
Moshood Aro, who moved the motion on the appropriate measures against the vandals, urged security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, Rapid Response Squad (RRS) and Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI), to intensify surveillance around bridges, highways and other strategic public assets.
He called for intelligence-led operations to identify and prosecute perpetrators, as well as individuals involved in the purchase and sale of stolen structural materials.
He also urged residents to report suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities promptly.
The lawmakers reiterated their commitment to working with the executive arm of government to safeguard the State’s infrastructure, strengthen enforcement mechanisms and ensure the effective implementation of existing laws.
They stressed that concerted efforts by the government’s agencies, security formations and residents were essential to protecting public assets and ensuring that the gains of development are not undermined by vandalism and other criminal activities.
